Meloni calls for Schengen suspension for Spain as 19 die at Ceuta

AI digestMimile.ai EditorialJuly 31, 2026 at 02:55 PM

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Meloni calls for Schengen suspension for Spain as 19 die at Ceuta

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni calls for the suspension of the Schengen agreement for Spain as the migration crisis at the Spanish enclave of Ceuta spirals, with at least 19 dead and nearly 49,000 attempting entry in a single day. The European Union has pledged additional support, even as France tightens border controls with Spain.

Meloni's Call

The Italian prime minister described the situation as shocking and said Italy is ready to consider emergency measures, including the suspension of the Schengen agreement for Spain. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani echoed the concern, calling uncontrolled illegal migration a direct threat to national security. Italy's stance reflects growing frustration among EU member states over the management of external borders.

The Ceuta Crisis

The Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla on North Africa's coast have seen a dramatic surge in migration after a court ruling prohibited the automatic return of migrants arriving by sea to Morocco. Spanish authorities estimate that about 49,000 people attempted to enter the enclaves in the past 24 hours. The EFE news agency reported four more bodies found at the border fences, raising the death toll to at least 19. These enclaves represent the only land borders between Africa and the European Union, making them a focal point for irregular migration.

European Reactions

Madrid summoned the Italian ambassador for explanations, with Spanish Foreign Minister José Luis Álvarez accusing Rome of exploiting the crisis for domestic political purposes. The EU offered additional support, with Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner stating the bloc is ready to deploy Frontex to stabilize the situation. France has tightened its border controls with Spain, underscoring the strain on the Schengen free movement area.

What's Next

The Spanish government is expected to formally request enhanced Frontex deployment in the coming days. It remains unclear whether other EU states will follow Italy's call to suspend Schengen for Spain, a move that could further fracture the bloc's migration policy.

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Meloni calls for Schengen suspension for Spain as 19 die at Ceuta

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Inbusiness.kz

Italy calls for Schengen suspension with Spain over Ceuta migrants

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Meloni calls for Schengen suspension for Spain as 19 die at Ceuta

Meloni's Call

The Ceuta Crisis

European Reactions

What's Next

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